It's steeped in history and a joy to visit. Explore the vast pistes of Les Portes du Soleil... return to log fires and house-party dinners

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

A super upside-down house perched on a cliff in bustling Saundersfoot with glorious views over the beach and the Atlantic

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

Peaceful escape for couples in the grounds of a stately Tudor manor house; watch the wildlife from your garden, explore the nearby coast

In a chocolate-box village just an hour on the train, and a short hop in a taxi, from London is this foodie inn with pretty bedrooms

Close to Hexham's centre, a quietly charismatic Victorian home with fresh flowers, homemade bread, sunny courtyard and a friendly little dog

Music evenings, pop-up theatre nights and great food at the Sash brasserie. You’re just a stroll from shops and bars

Victorian country house for 8-15 with gardens overlooking the Howgill Fells for happy reunions with family and friends

A 15th-century Venetian palazzo, lovingly restored with stylish rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and a designer's insight into the city

Six cosy cottages for couples (babies and dogs welcome) on this gorgeous eco farm with enclosed gardens, a summer pool and treatments

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

Birdwatchers and artists delight: acres of peaceful land, close to some of Cornwall’s finest galleries – and the sea

Country house set in a secluded valley in a nature reserve with a pool & walks from the door. The small town of Jabugo is just over the hill

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms